K-POP & ASIAN CULTURE
Lunar Krew hosted one of the first ‘Random Play Dance’ panels of the weekend. A room packed with fans, circled up to cheer each other on as they jumped in to show off their dance skills if they knew the choreography. It’s a heartwarming sight and unmatched energy.
Pelby Panels, a rather infamous convention panel duo, presented their “K-pop Groups You Should Be Stanning” panel on day two of the convention. Arguably, one of the best parts of being a music fan, or fan of any kind, is finding out there is more to enjoy. Shelby and Peyton made this panel feel like a get-together at a friends house, encouraging interaction from the crowd and keeping the humor alive. They showcased a presentation of 6 new K-pop groups to potential new fans [and some seasoned fans]. Relating each group to songs attendees may already know, showing the glow-up of each group from debut to now, enticing lore, and fun facts, were great methods of helping con-goers open up their minds and playlists to new groups. If you like:
PANELS, SHOPPING, & COSPLAY
As a con-goer, supporting individual artists and entrepreneurs comes with the territory of the merch hall and artist alley. With enough space to maneuver between artists, exhibits, and rest areas, the exhibit hall was impressive and well-laid out. One of the best features of an exhibit hall is fan-made art that may not even be inspired by the anime or game fans have come for but they fall in love with the craft before their eyes and leave home with a sunflower cow in a pot that simply came to fruition because someone had a vision.
Cosplay, creating and wearing costumes of a favorite character, is one of the most popular forms of art and creativity that a convention like MomoCon has to offer. Often referred to as the ‘Hallway Con,’ attendees can find craftsman and characters of all genres and stylings in throughout the halls between panels and exhibits to make friends or simply take great photos of cool costumes.
INTERVIEWS
Peter Raymundo, one of the animators behind some of Disney’s greatest films – Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, & more – sat down with MomoCon media teams to talk a bit more about his creative life.
Raymundo’s interview shed light on what it has been like to pursue a career in art that one is passionate about and what that life has led to as now an infamous animator who makes appearances at conventions like MomoCon. When asked his thoughts on the current state of animation, he shared that while he is focused on his books and doesn’t have many thoughts on the animation industry right now, he hopes to see more original content from all the talent he knows remain in the animation industry. Delivering a great story is the key to great animation.
Being at MomoCon, surrounded by fellow creatives and fans allows for networking and chance encounters, but it also breeds emotions to see it all come together. Raymundo mentions that MomoCon [and many conventions] makes him feel like he never wants to leave.
“You meet a lot of people, you kind of meet a lot of people who are really emotional to meet you but it’s so positive here. Everyone’s happy, everyone wants to be here, everyone’s accepted here. I just wish all of mankind was like this.”
He goes on to bring the room to the brink of tears as he closes the conversation reminiscing on the love and compassion for others that conventions can gather.
With the classic question any artist may receive, “What advice would you give to someone pursuing their dreams?” Raymundo said,
He mentions managing to create over 100 drawings a day for years prior to his work at the Walt Disney Company. The K-pop community is full of talented artists and fans alike; Our team at KpopWise attended this interview to share what might encourage anyone reading this to keep moving forward. A huge thank you to the MomoCon Media Team for arranging interviews and opportunities like this amidst the convention.
GAMING
The layout of MomoCon has grown exponentially since it’s start in 2005 at Georgia Tech. Now spanning three halls and over four floors of activities, MomoCon had space enough for ease of walking from game-to-game in the Hall. MomoCon hosts the largest gaming space in the Southeast, including tabletop and card games, PC LAN setups, competitive and casual tournaments, and a retro arcade floor. Multiple versions of similar games provided chances for all to play so that lines were not too long, and giant gaming observation spaces for both VR and PC tournament games were a great place to rest or join in the competition.
AFTER HOURS
Don’t miss a chance to join in on the fun in 2025, MomoCon registration has already begun!